LAS VEGAS – For the first time during fifth-year head coach Jay Norvell's tenure and since joining the Mountain West, Nevada is the preseason favorite to top the West Division, the conference announced Wednesday.
 
The Pack received 19 of 25 first-place votes with a West Division best of 141 points. San Jose State received five first-place votes and 121 points, followed in order by San Diego State (96) points), Fresno State (one first-place vote, 85 points), Hawai'i (56), and UNLV (26).
 
Boise State topped the Mountain Division poll, collecting 23 first-place votes and 148 points, followed by Wyoming's 115 points and two first-place votes. Air Force (104 points) was third, followed by Colorado State (72), Utah State (47), and New Mexico (39).
 
Nevada finished the 2020 season with a 7-2 overall record and third-place finish in the Mountain West. The Wolf Pack concluded its season with a 38-27 victory over Tulane in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
 
The Pack opens its 2021 season on Sept. 4 at Cal. Nevada faces preseason Mountain Division favorite Boise State on Oct. 2 in Boise, Idaho.
 
MOUNTAIN DIVISION
Rank    Team (first-place votes) Points
1.         Boise State (23)           148
2.         Wyoming (2)                115
3.         Air Force                      104
4.         Colorado State            72
5.         Utah State                   47
6.         New Mexico                 39
 
WEST DIVISION
Rank    Team (first-place votes) Points
1.         Nevada (19)                 141
2.         San José State (5)       121
3.         San Diego State          96
4.         Fresno State (1)           85
5.         Hawai'i                         56
6.         UNLV                           26